New direction for James DeGale

The IBF king is closing in on securing big fights in the final phase of his illustrious ring career

12/07/2018 06:00 PM

Image Text:

FLAT OUT: Super-middleweight king DeGale

TWO-TIME IBF world super-middleweight champion James DeGale has relinquished his title
as he closes in on securing big fights in the final phase of his illustrious ring career.

DeGale, a former British and European champion, has ruled the 168 pound division split over two reigns as world champion totalling almost three years and has been in- volved in six IBF world championship contests.

The Londoner is proud to have held the organisation’s prestigious and famous red and gold world title belt that has been worn by many of the great fighters at the weight including legends Joe Calzaghe and Roy Jones Jnr.

DeGale began his first reign as IBF world champion in May 2015 by making history to become Britain’s first ever Olympic champion to win a world title when he sensationally defeated Andre Dirrell in Boston to claim the vacant belt.

The trail-blazing Londoner then continued his campaign across the Atlantic to gain respect from the media and fans’ as he made the first successful defence of the title against former IBF world champion Lucian Bute in Canada in November that year.

DECISION

In April 2016, DeGale returned to the U.S to make the second defence of the title against tough Mexican Rogelio Medina in Washington which he won on a majority decision.

DeGale then aimed to solidify his dominance of the 168 pound division by attempting to unify his IBF title against WBC world champion.

Badou Jack in January 2017 in Brooklyn, New York. In an electrifying, all-action fight, DeGale retained his title by way of a controversial draw that many felt DeGale had won.

A British homecoming world title defence against American Caleb Truax in December 2017 was ruined after DeGale lost his title on a points decision in a below par performance. He later admitted it was because he returned to the ring too soon after having career-saving surgery to his shoulder following the Jack fight.

However, DeGale proved his champion’s heart by facing Truax in his backyard for the rematch in April this year in Las Vegas when he reclaimed the title with a dominant display to win clearly on the judges’ scorecards.

WITHDRAWN

DeGale was due to be involved in a purse bid for his IBF mandated title defence against Interim Champion Jose Uzcategui on July 5, but that was withdrawn.

DeGale said: “No world champion easily gives up their world title that they’ve earned the hard way in the ring and I’ve proudly held the IBF world title in two reigns with pride and distinction which is why it makes it very hard decision to relinquish the belt.

“It has been a pleasure to work with the IBF. I’ve achieved so much in my career, Olympic gold, British, European and international titles and two-time world champion and I believe I’m at the top of my game right now.

“I’m in the final phase of my career where I have a few good years left where I can be involved in massive fights and really leave a legacy in the division’s history.

“My team have been working very hard behind the scenes and we’ve got some very big and exciting news to announce soon.”

Read every story in our hardcopy newspaper for free by downloading the app.

Posted on: 12/07/2018 06:00 PM

Subscribe to The Voice database!

We'd like to keep in touch with you regarding our daily newsletter, Voice competitions, promotions and marketing material and to further increase our reach with The Voice readers.

If interested, please click the below button to complete the subscription form.